He told The Sentinel: “We are working hard trying to get the right quality into the group, but you saw tonight that we’ve got good talent. But I think there’s opportunities still.”

On Inter Milan left-back Nagatomo, who Stoke had been linked with in Italy, Hughes simply responded: “Never heard of him”.

Marco van Ginkel was among Stoke’s goalscorers at the Racecourse Ground, intercepting a loose ball in his own half before finishing off a solo run, and Hughes is hopeful the sight of the Chelsea loanee in the opponents’ box will become a feature of the team’s play this season.

“He’s a very good player,” said Hughes, “and we are very encouraged by what he’s shown.

“He gives us a goal threat and has got good energy. He covered good ground and wants to get into the box and on the end of things, so we are really pleased with that aspect of his play.”